An Early College High School | Utah County Academy of Sciences

We provide a real community.

Our mission has been summarized as “high rigor with high support” and “firm, fair, and friendly”.

Students come to UCAS because they want to excel in their education. They want to learn in an environment where students are eager to participate in class and take their coursework seriously.

That is not to say that we don’t have fun! We support students in building positive social skills and we provide fun activities. Students make life-long friends when they come to UCAS!

A small, safe community.

Teachers know their students on an individual level. We provide high support by having small class sizes, an in person college and career readiness meeting with a counselor annually, and many opportunities to communicate with and give feedback to the school administration.

Students can do more than what is generally expected of them. UCAS raises the bar for education and students rise to the challenge. We value the community that is developed with smaller class sizes and smaller campus communities. Teachers at UCAS know their students and express their passion for teaching.

The school administration creates an environment where teachers can focus on teaching and engaging with students. Because teachers are supported, they can focus on the needs of their students.

We believe high level learning is challenging and fun. Engaged learning is FUN!

A focus on leadership

We believe our students need to know how to communicate with each other and with the adults in their lives. They need to know how to advocate for themselves. They need to know how to disagree with someone without having a fight. They need to know how to respectfully express an opinion and walk away as friends.

These principles are taught in all of our classes as we help our students learn the boundaries of being respectful and still holding true to their own thoughts and beliefs.

Associate Degree upon graduation, along with your high school diploma.

The majority of our high school graduates earn an associate degree along with their high school diploma, (85% in 2023). This statistic has been consistent since our first graduating class in 2007.

We have a 16-year track record of 100% high school graduation rate and over 75% of associate degree completion. We pay their college classes to make this happen.

Yes, students work hard; yes, there is some stress; yes, there is sacrifice. With any ambitious goal, this is always the case.

UCAS Goals

UCAS will assist students as they:

Learn to build student/adult associations that develop successfully in school, employment, and daily life.

Plan for and work in a thorough, in-depth, and demanding course of study.

Expand a love for learning and interest in math, science and engineering.

Participate in low cost access to higher education.

Experience a sound transition between high school and the college.

Accrue college credits by the successful completion of college level courses.

Graduate from high school with the self-assurance and self-competence of entering into and completing a four-year university degree in a field related to math, science, or engineering.

UCAS Philosophy

The Utah County Academy of Sciences (UCAS) is a specialized, magnet public high school that provides an unconventional educational opportunity for high school students who are greatly motivated. UCAS provides a curriculum with an emphasis on STEM (Science, Math, Engineering and Technology). UCAS works closely with Utah Valley University (UVU) allowing students who have the interests, ability, and desire to move through their formal schooling at an accelerated rate.

UCAS provides an atmosphere that promotes learning. Teachers are skilled in curriculum development and delivery along with research-based methods. Teachers and administrators carefully plan the curriculum and assessment that align with the Utah state core.

The curriculum is consistent with the goals of Early College High Schools and the Curriculum departments offered at UVU. Two major strands of emphasis are offered by the Utah County Academy of Sciences:

Medical Science and Health Technology intensive strand (UVU School of Science and Health)
Computer Sciences and Engineering Technology intensive strand (UVU School of Computer Sciences and Engineering.)

While UCAS has a main focus of technical and scientific inquiry and research, other classes will be offered to fulfill Utah State high school graduation requirements to help students become functional, literate, and well rounded adults.

Highly qualified teachers promote student learning by using face-to-face instruction in conjunction with a variety of teaching methods.

Students need to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through solving complex problems and producing high-quality work.

Diversified instruction, course content, and a diverse student population provides enrichment that is a valuable asset to education.

A high-quality education provides a solid foundation for the future of the student; it is vital for the growth and success of our society to have lifelong learners and productive citizens.

A safe, comfortable, and supportive school environment is essential for optimal learning and will promote the building of positive relationships and respect for others.

Many high school students are capable of doing college level work, making appropriate decisions, and becoming confident, self-directed learners.

Utah County Academy of Sciences (UCAS)